2013 Midland High Positional Breakdown

Published 12:31 pm, Friday, August 23, 2013

Midland High players runs drills Monday during the first practice of the season. Tim Fischer\Reporter-Telegram

Midland High players runs drills Monday during the first practice of the season. Tim Fischer\Reporter-Telegram

Photo: Tim Fischer

2013 Midland High Positional Breakdown

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Quarterback

Who’s in: Sam Grimes, Preston Howey, Ryan Goodrum

What to expect in 2013: Yenzer hopes to be decided on who will be the team’s starter before the season opener, but will definitely be set on a quarterback by district play. Grimes brings varsity experience, but the coaching staff has been impressed with Howey, who spent last season on the junior varsity. Midland High coach Craig Yenzer said Grimes was ahead of Howey by a hair heading into their scrimmage agaisnt Temple. Goodrum will be on the varsity as the third-string option, and could also see time at receiver. If recent trends continue, there’s a good chance the Bulldogs will need both players this season. Midland High hasn’t had just one quarterback start every game in four years.

Running back

Who’s in: Lance White, Darius Reed, Brandon Infiesto

What to expect in 2013: The Bulldogs really like their depth at running back. White is the top returning rusher, and looks bigger, stronger and faster heading into his senior season. Reed and Infiesto both stood out during spring practice. Infiesto is a transfer from Pleasant Valley, Iowa, while Reed was a JV standout for the Bulldogs last season. This could be a very productive group.

What to expect in 2013: Coach Craig Yenzer has called this one of the most talented receiving corps in the program’s history. Goodley and Justice were very productive a year ago. Raughton and Behrmann also got varsity experience last season. Winn and Gallegos are among a group of newcomers at the position expected to make an impact. Senior tailback Brandon Infiesto could also get some reps as an H-Back. Dalton Dickie or Andrew Chestnut will serve as the team’s tight end.

What to expect in 2013: There are some new names on the offensive line, but left tackle Adame brings plenty of experience to the group, entering his third season on the varsity. After missing the spring with an injury, Adame has been deemed healthy and has looked strong in practices. Casteneda also picked up valuable varsity experience, starting every game last year at guard. Byars, whose older brother Zach was a standout guard for MHS, will likely be the starting center. Estrada has experience at several positions, but should be the team’s starting guard. Yenzer likes the depth of the offensive line, especially some of the larger juniors coming up, including Scott and Evans, who could be the starting left guard.

What to expect in 2013: No full-time starters return along the defensive line, but there is still plenty of experience to fall back on. Watson and Wright each started at times last season, and have had rave reviews from their coaches. Watson looks the part, standing 6 feet, 4 inches, and having added 25 pounds to his frame in the past year. Wright will see some time inside at defensive tackle, too, with Woods getting more time at end. Yenzer is comparing Vliem, a sophomore, to Dutton Watson, who is now playing at North Texas. Boring and Whitlock are among the six total players who could end up rotating at defensive tackle.

Linebackers

Who’s in: Corbin Berrones, Mason Montgomery, Emilio Solis, Mark Villa

What to expect in 2013: Berrones and Montgomery have the most varsity experience of this group. Berrones is a three-year letterman, while Montgomery played on the varsity last season. Solis has been catching the eye of his coaches as a junior, and has a good chance of earning one of the two starting positions.

What to expect in 2013: This is an intriguing group of youth and athleticism. There’s also experience with Boler and Carter playing extensively last season. Martinez moves to free safety from running back, and had a strong performance in the spring. Jackson had two interceptions in the Bulldogs’ spring game, and is an outstanding athlete at corner.

What to expect in 2013: The Bulldogs have question marks at kicker and punter for the first time in several years. Both Jason Carter and Hennig have gotten opportunities to kick with neither standing out from the other thus far. The Bulldogs do have plenty of athletes to serve as return specialists, though. Goodley, Jackson and Martinez might be the three fastest players on the team, and Justice returned a kickoff for a TD last season. Yenzer says the return game has a chance to be “explosive, maybe as good as it’s ever been here.”